Becker Knife & Tool Nessmuk

[bsmith_shoot]

In the close confines of field dressing game, I can most definitely see the utility of the blade shape. The curve in the spine would allow precision when working around bone and such.

 

[bsmith_shoot]

Forced a darker patina on it last night also.

 

[tradewater]

In the close confines of field dressing game, I can most definitely see the utility of the blade shape. The curve in the spine would allow precision when working around bone and such.

I think so too. He used it for a spatula and a makeshift spoon as well. I reground an Old Hickory skinning knife once (because it was thin) to get a rough idea of where he was going with it. Damn if it's not handy as hell around camp. Modern makers are doing the general profile and calling it a Nessmuk but they are made from thicker stock which defeats most of the purpose of his design.

 

[DerekH]

The thing to keep in mind is Sears was trekking in the 1880's and living off the land. The Nessmuk was designed as part of a three tool system. The belt axe, a sheath knife and a folder. The "Nessmuk trio". He wrote that his knife was ".. thin in the blade, and handy for skinning, cutting meat, or eating with." There is no evidence in his writings of using it for woodwork or general bushcraft. That's what the folder was for. I can see the utility of the blade for the intended use.

See, put like this it makes a lot more sense to me. I was thinking that the curve on the back might make it pretty handy for choking up on, pinch grip, etc..., but would hinder a lot of other general bushcraft and woodworking. Thanks for straightening that out.

:thumbup:

 

[bsmith_shoot]

I think that an Old Hickory butcher knife would be a good building block to start off of, if building a more accurate rendition of a Muk. I might give that a try also.
The old hicks are 1/8th inch thick, right?

 

[axesbold]

I think so too. He used it for a spatula and a makeshift spoon as well. I reground an Old Hickory skinning knife once (because it was thin) to get a rough idea of where he was going with it. Damn if it's not handy as hell around camp. Modern makers are doing the general profile and calling it a Nessmuk but they are made from thicker stock which defeats most of the purpose of his design.

Agree totally. Here is an abomination I cut from an Old Hickory lettuce knife, along with an Old Hick cabbage knife (really a scaled down butcher) along with my 15 for scale. The psuedo-muk is really handy around the fire, and I always take it when traveling and staying in motels and such. It works well as a scoop, stirrer, spatula, spreader, is a mean slicer, and probably a decent skinner. Covers a lot of the S's. Just a great knife to have around. Always used as a coffee scoop.

I really like the 14 muk. Bet you find it handy to have around.

I bought a Condor muk and, for me, it's way too thick. Never use it.

My Old Hicks run around 1/16 and take a razor edge. They go well with the BKs. I think an Old Hick butcher knife would make a great muk.